Santa Margarita Catholic High School Student Athletes - Make it Official

Austin Maihen

14 Athletes Commit on NCAA Signing Day

14 athletes from Santa Margarita Catholic High School made their futures evident on Wednesday, February 4th, as they officially signed letters of intent or celebrated their commitment to attend colleges across the country for their sport. February 4th marks the first day that high school seniors could sign scholarship papers for all sports. The letter of intent is a binding agreement between the student-athlete and a college, by which the student-athlete agrees to attend the college for one academic year.

The following student-athletes signed as part of the NCAA National Letter of Intent Signing Day:

Jake Fisher of Coto de Caza has committed to Cal State Fullerton to play soccer. Fisher is a three-year varsity letterman for the Eagles and was the second leading goal scorer in Orange County last year with 26 goals. Jake’s 26 goals were a single-season goal scoring record for Santa Margarita which helped him earn The Golden Boot Award. Last season, Jake was named the Trinity League’s Offensive MVP, 1^st team All-County, and first team All-CIF. Jake is a founding member of Guys Givin’ Back, a non-profit charitable organization started in 2009 that has raised thousands of dollars annually for charities such as Jeans for Teens, Operation Help-a- Hero, Top Soccer, St. Baldricks, and 3on3 for Joey. Jake Fisher.
Noah Leong of Coto de Caza has committed to the University of San Francisco for soccer. Noah was a member of the Santa Margarita soccer team his freshman and sophomore year, the latter of which was an undefeated league championship team. The past two seasons, Noah has been playing for the US Development Academy team and has spent the last three summers training in Argentina. Outside of soccer, Noah is a four-year member of the California Scholarship Federation and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Noah Leong.
Maggie Ghotbi of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to the University of San Diego for soccer. Maggie is a four-year member of the Santa Margarita soccer program and was named a team captain this year. Last season, Maggie was selected to the All-Trinity League 2nd team and earned Athlete of the Week honors for the Orange County Register. In addition to soccer, Maggie is a four-year member of the girls track team as a long and triple jumper and sprinter. Maggie scored several critical goals last season that helped propel her team to a Division 1 CIF title. Maggie Ghotbi.
Brooklyn Gonzalez of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to Fordham University for soccer. Brooklyn has been the starting outside right defender the last three years on the Del Mar Sharks as back to back National champions. In the classroom, Brooklyn manages a heavy dose of AP and IB courses while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average and looks to major in neuroscience at Fordham. Brooklyn Gonzalez.
Katie Gast of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to Concordia University in Irvine for soccer. Katie received the Most Valuable Player award her freshman year on JV, was named captain her sophomore year, and is now a member of the varsity team as a defender. Outside of soccer, Katie was a member of the girls Track team and enjoys working with disabled children through the AYSO VIP program. Katie Gast.
Alex Barber of Rancho Santa Margarita has committed to Middlebury College for soccer. Alex is a four-year member of the Eagles soccer program as well as the SoCal Blues Soccer Club. Alex is an AP Scholar, member of the National Honor Society, Student Ambassador, Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, and maintains a 4.4 GPA. Alex Barber.
Sarah Clayton of Rancho Mission Viejo has committed to McNeese State University for soccer. Sarah has been a member of the Eagle soccer program for four years with two years at the varsity level as a central defender. Outside of soccer, Sarah has been involved with Peer Court, The ****** Cancer Club, Loaves & Fishes, Special Olympics, Top Soccer and does community service work with Atria Del Sol. Sarah Clayton.
Jorden Christensen of Dove Canyon has committed to Mercer University for soccer. This season Jorden is a varsity starter for the Eagles and was voted as a team captain. Last year Jorden was a part of the Division 1 championship soccer team and has also been a member of the girls track team. Jorden Christensen.
Austin Maihen of Dove Canyon has committed to Stanford University for football. Austin played left tackle for the Eagles and was a team captain this past season. Austin was selected to the Max Preps All-State 1^st team as well as the Orange County Register’s 1^st Austin was named to the 1^st team All-Trinity League and was selected to the LA Times’ Southern California All-Star team. Outside of football, Austin has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Big Buddy program, and hosts at the annual Ability Awareness Day at Robinson Ranch Elementary school. For the past six year, Austin has also volunteered with Relay for Life in honor of several family members that have been affected by Cancer. Austin Maihen.
Kyle Sweet of Dove Canyon has committed to Washington State University for football. Kyle is a four-year varsity starter for the Eagles and has contributed to the team’s success in multiple facets. Kyle has played wide receiver, quarterback, defensive back, kicker, and punter along with being a team captain for the Eagles. Kyle was chosen as a 1^st team Pac-5 All-CIF performer along with being selected to the All-County 1^st Kyle’s post season honors included being chosen as a 1^st team All-Trinity league player and Orange County Catholic’s Most Valuable Player. In addition to football, Kyle played for the varsity basketball team and is a member of the track and field team, he has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Big Buddy program, and hosts at the annual Ability Awareness Day at Robinson Ranch Elementary school. Kyle Sweet.
Rick Wade of Dove Canyon has committed to UCLA for football. Rick played the defensive end position and was a team captain for the Eagles this past season. Rick was selected as the Trinity League’s most valuable defensive lineman as a part of the All-Trinity League 1^st Rick was named to the All-County 2^nd team and was chosen by the LA Times for its All-Southern California All-Star team. Off the field, Rick has volunteered with the Special Olympics, Big Buddy program, and hosts at the annual Ability Awareness Day at Robinson Ranch Elementary school. Rick Wade.
Grady Higgins of Coto de Caza has committed to Boston College for football. Grady, a team captain this past season, was named to the 1^st team All-Trinity league the past two years and was also named to the All-County 2^nd team as a linebacker. Grady solidified his name in the Eagle football record books as he is now in the top 10 for tackles in school history. Outside of football, Grady has volunteered with the Special Olympics Organization as a Coach on Field Days and as a volunteer at The Turkey Bowl, Big Buddy program, and hosts at the annual Ability Awareness Day at Robinson Ranch Elementary school. Grady Higgins.
Conner Bianchini of Coto de Caza has committed to Lehigh University for football. Connor was an integral part of the offense’s success this past season at the wide receiver position, where he hauled in 68 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. Connor’s success on the football field helped earn him a spot on the All-Trinity League’s 2nd team. Off the football field, Connor has played for the basketball team and is currently on the varsity baseball team, he is a member of Peer Ministry, has volunteered with the Special Olympics Organization as a Coach on Field Days, a volunteer for the Big Buddy program, and host at the annual Ability Awareness Day at Robinson Ranch Elementary school. Connor Bianchini.
Sam Slobodien of Irvine has committed to the University of Southern California for Water Polo. Sam is a two-year varsity starter for the boys’ water polo program and broke the school’s single season scoring record with 106 goals this past season, as well as a school high 77 assists. With his breakthrough senior season, Sam was selected to the 1^st team All-Trinity League, Division 1 All-CIF 1^st team, 1st team All-Orange County, 2^nd team All-Southern California, and a California-Hawaii All-American. In the classroom, Sam maintains a 4.0 grade point average. Sam Slobodien.

Congratulations to all the athletes on advancing your academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. All of us at DigitalSports wish you luck!